Study and Communication Skills for the Biosciences

ABOUT THIS BOOK

• Written to give students the practical tools they need to enable them to perform to their potential on their degree course.
• Covers a broad range of study and communication skills, which are valuable not only during university, but which also increase employability.
• Biological examples throughout demonstrate the clear relevance of the skills addressed to bioscience students, increasing willingness to learn.
• Written in an engaging, motivational way by two experienced educators, to get the reader to really understand the importance of the skills being addressed, and to actively think about how to develop these skills in the context of studying.
• Flexible style allows the reader to dip into specific chapters for reference, or to read in sequence to complement a taught course.
• Online Resource Centre features additional resources for both lecturers and students, to enhance the educational value of the text.

Study and Communication Skills for the Biosciences reviews the skills a bioscience student needs to develop to fulfil their true potential during their studies, and to enhance their employability beyond university.

Written in a practical, motivational style, with plenty of examples and advice to help the reader master the skills being explored, the book explains how to get the most out of lectures, tutorials, and group work; how to get the most out of the vast array of information that is available in books, in journals, and on the web; how to communicate your work and ideas effectively to others; and how to revise for and complete exams to give yourself the best chance of success.

Written specifically for bioscience students by two experienced bioscience educators, Study and Communication Skills for the Biosciences is the essential guide to getting the most out of your studies - and beyond.

Online Resource Centre
The Online Resource Centre to accompany Study and Communcation Skills for the Biosciences features:

For lecturers:
Figures from the book in electronic format, ready to download;

For students:
Examples of good and bad practice when using Powerpoint presentations;
Examples of good and bad practice when producing posters

Readership: Undergraduate students following any bioscience or bioscience-related degree programme.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Stuart Johnson, Academic Skills Developer, University of Leicester, and Jon Scott, Director of Biological Studies, University of Leicester

REVIEWS

"Volumes that help science students improve their writing, editing, or presentation skills are not uncommon; this excellent new offering, however, has a remarkable breadth of scope. Instead of focusing on one or two aspects of scientific communication, the authors have developed 14 independent chapters that emphasize planning, organization, and time management applied to basic study tasks, essay writing, field and laboratory reports, group projects, note taking, pre-test study and test taking, presentations, poster development, and other essential skills. A lengthy and especially valuable chapter discusses plagiarism with numerous useful examples and avoidance tips. The writing and format are admirably clear. Language style is conversational, direct, and spare; short sections are organized with headings and subheadings; illustrations and graphics are appropriate, effectively support text, and add readability. THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY"

"Although aimed at readers new to higher education, I think the book has a great deal to offer postgraduate students too; the information on good listening skills can just as easily be applied to conference talks and good communication skills are essential whatever the level of a presentation. I liked this book very much - pity it wasn't around when I was a student." - Microbiology Today

"Even though I am in my final year I have used the chapters on essay preparation and plagiarism recently and the chapters covering scientific presentations and creating academic posters will be particularly useful for presenting my final year project next semester" - Roweida Sammour, Student, Leeds University

"If I had to give my first-year tutees one book to start their time at university and launch them into the Higher Education landscape then this would probably be it." - Bioscience Education

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1: Why are study skills important?
2: Making the Most of Lectures
3: Working with sources
4: Writing Essays
5: Writing Practical Reports
6: Tutorials and Group Work
7: Avoiding Plagiarism
8: Scientific Presentations 1: Preparing scientific presentations
9: Scientific Presentations 2: Delivering scientific presentations
10: Academic Posters
11: Using Feedback
12: Revision Skills
13: Exam Skills